Fin's Fish Guide
The Black amur (Mylopharyngodon piceus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 180 cm.
Description
The black carp is a large cyprinid from East Asia, including China and the Amur basin. The species grows to about 1.8 metres and has an elongate, dark grey-black body with large scales. Adults inhabit large lowland rivers and lakes, preferably with clear water. Characteristic are the powerful, molar-like pharyngeal teeth with which it crushes hard-shelled prey such as snails and freshwater mussels; it is thus a decided mollusc eater (molluscivore). The black carp is one of the 'four major Chinese carps' and is farmed on a large scale for food and biological snail control. It is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Black amur?
The Black amur has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly black and shows a plain pattern. Powerful mill-like pharyngeal teeth for crushing snails and mussels; one of the four major Chinese farmed carps.
Where does the Black amur live?
The Black amur lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. East Asia; large lowland rivers and lakes of China and the Amur basin.
How big does the Black amur get?
The Black amur grows to a maximum of about 180 cm. On average the species is around 12 cm.
Is the Black amur dangerous to humans?
No, the Black amur is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Black amur edible?
Yes, the Black amur is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Cyprinidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Black amur is one of 12,519 species in the app.